Soccer: Arsenal have completed the signing of South Korea captain Park Chu-Young from Monaco, subject to a formal registration process. The striker has penned what is thought to be an initial two-year contract, amid reports he will be forced to return home in 2013 for a period of military service.
The Gunners have signed the 26-year-old from under the noses of Lille, who were convinced they had reached an agreement for the player to join them on Saturday.
Park, who scored 25 goals in 91 Ligue 1 games for Monaco, made his South Korea debut aged 19 and played at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. He succeeded Park Ji-Sung as captain of his country earlier this year following the latter's international retirement.
"I am very honoured and I feel very happy to be at Arsenal," he told his new club's official website. "It is a dream to be here and I am really proud to be an Arsenal player. Now I just want to show how good I am and prove myself.
"In my opinion, this is a great club. Now I have to show what I can do on the pitch. I will do my best, I will never give up, I will show heart, I will give everything and I hope (the fans) will support me."
Manager Arsene Wenger, whose personal intervention reportedly convinced Park to pull out of his move to Lille, added: "We are delighted to have signed Chu.
"He will add true quality to our attacking forces and will be a valuable addition to the squad."
Park, who will wear the number nine shirt, is unlikely to be the only arrival at the Emirates before the the transfer deadline tomorrow night.
Per Mertesacker was reportedly en route to London today to undergo a medical. The Gunners have been in talks with Werder Bremen over the signing of the German international defender, who was given permission by club and country to jet out to England.
Arsenal were also understood to be close to concluding a deal for Brazil left-back Andre Santos as they sought to revamp their defence following Sunday's humiliating 8-2 defeat at Manchester United.
The signing of Mertesacker, in particular, would be music to the ears of Gunners fans, who have long urged manager Arsene Wenger to strengthen a rearguard that has, at times, been left woefully exposed in the past year. The 26-year-old would also provide much-needed height and experience at the back, standing at 6ft 6in and boasting 75 international caps.
Reports suggest he could be available for as little as around €9.5 million because of Bremen's financial problems. Wenger has long been linked with Mertesacker, who is currently on international duty, but Germany boss Joachim Low has confirmed he has given the player time off to conclude the deal.
"Per contacted me last night and informed me (about Arsenal's interest)," he said today. "I told the player that I would release him for the day."
Arsenal have also agreed a fee with Turkish giants Fenerbahce - reportedly €6.5 million - for Santos, with the move subject to a medical and personal terms being agreed. The 28-year-old would help fill the void left by the sales of Gael Clichy to Manchester City and Armand Traore to QPR.
They also last week saw a bid rejected for Bolton's Gary Cahill, a pursuit they may abandon should a deal for Mertesacker be concluded, while they have also been linked more recently with the Chelsea trio of Florent Malouda, Alex and Yossi Benayoun.
Traore has joined QPR on a three-year deal. The 21-year-old spent time on loan with Serie A outfit Juventus last season and has made just one Barclays Premier League appearance for the Gunners in the last 15 months, in Sunday's mauling by United.
Traore becomes the third signing of the Tony Fernandes era, following Joey Barton and Luke Young.
"When I talked to Neil Warnock he was very passionate about what I could bring to the club," the Frenchman told the club's official website, www.qpr.co.uk. "He was very motivated about playing me week in, week out, and that's what I need at this stage of my career.
"I've not been able to prove and show what I'm all about because I've been at two big, big clubs like Juventus and Arsenal. I'm looking forward to coming here and playing regular football. The ambition of the new owners and the calibre of players they are signing is something that really attracted me to the club."
Warnock is still hoping to do more business before the transfer window closes, but also moved today to secure the future of midfielder Shaun Derry. The 33-year-old played an integral role as Rangers won the npower Championship last season, which ended the club's 15-year absence from the top flight.
Warnock brought Derry to the club last summer from former club Crystal Palace and has rewarded the midfielder with a one-year contract extension.
"Tony has been so impressed with Shaun since his arrival at the club and this is just a show of faith for what he does for the club," he said. "He's got a few ideas about going into coaching when he finishes playing and at a club like ours, where the new owners have got so many long-term plans, there will undoubtedly be a role for him.
"He's still got a massive impact to make as a player here first and foremost and that's what I want him to focus on at the moment, but I think he can start having an input off the field too."
